If one harbours anywhere in one's mind a nationalistic loyalty or hatred, certain facts, although in a sense known to be true, are inadmissible.
George OrwellRead
A plongeur is a slave, and a wasted slave, doing stupid and largely unnecessary work. He is kept at work, ultimately, because of a vague feeling that he would be dangerous if he had leisure. And educated people, who should be on his side, acquiesce in the process, because they know nothing about him and consequently are afraid of him.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes societal norms that dehumanize individuals through labor and the fear surrounding leisure and knowledge.
In this quote, George Orwell reflects on the condition of the 'plongeur', a type of worker who is trapped in repetitive and menial tasks, devoid of purpose and freedom. He suggests that society perpetuates this cycle of oppression out of fear of the unknown potential of leisure time and the lack of understanding from educated individuals about the plight of the laborer, thus highlighting the disconnect between different social classes and the detrimental nature of such systems.
Themes
LaborOppressionEducationClassFearLeisure
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of understanding the experiences of different social classes.
More from George Orwell
All quotes →The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.
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Political writing in our time consists almost entirely of prefabricated phrases bolted together like the pieces of a child's Meccano set. It is the unavoidable result of self-censorship. To write in plain, vigorous language one has to think fearlessly, and if one thinks fearlessly one cannot be politically orthodox.
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Not to expose your true feelings to an adult seems to be instinctive from the age of seven or eight onwards.
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As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.
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It is fatal to look hungry. It makes people want to kick you.
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